Shoalhaven City Council is reminding Shoalhaven residents, visitors and business owners to follow NSW public health guidelines in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread in the Shoalhaven.
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Business owners can provide an added level of reassurance to the community by registering their business as a COVID Safe business.
In addition to NSW public health advice around physical distancing, self-isolation and quarantine, four-square metre rule, restrictions on gathering and movement and hygiene and safety practices; becoming a COVID safe business helps to promote the health and safety of business owners, their staff and customers against the spread of COVID-19.
Mayor Amanda Findley said she was happy to see many non-mandatory businesses registering as a COVID Safe business in the Shoalhaven.
"Whilst it is mandatory for hospitality businesses, all businesses can register as a COVID Safe business to protect their staff and customers," she said
"Registering your business as COVID Safe also allows customers to identify businesses which have a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place and have registered with the NSW Government as a COVID Safe business."
Registering your business is a three-step process.
First step is to create a COVID-19 Safety plan, with industry-specific guidance available.
Step two is to register as a COVID Safe business which can be done online.
Step three is to show the community that you are COVID Safe, which includes following your COVID Safety plan, displaying signage and ensuring you have your COVID Safety plan available on the premises.
"When a business registers as a COVID Safe business, it offers a reassurance to customers and the general community that the appropriate guidelines and procedures are in place to keep us all safe," Cr Findley said.
"This allows our local businesses to continue operating in a safe and appropriate manner and gives the community a sense of normality and security.
"Customers also have their role to play in ensuring the safety of themselves and others. Following public health guidelines is a joint responsibility and we should all take responsibility for our individual actions in this time of high personal health vigilance."
Under the Public Health Order it is mandatory for some types of business to complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan and register as a COVID Safe business. For other types of business it is mandatory to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan, and optional to register.
Any business found in breach of the Public Health Orders could face a penalty of up to $55,000 and a further $27,500 penalty may apply for each day an offence continues. On-the-spot fines can also be issued.
To register as a COVID Safe business, visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe-businesses.
